A friend of mine, who I had the great fortune of getting to know while working together when I was in high school, recently posted a “note” on Facebook where I learned she had just lost her beloved brother in Afghanistan. In the “note” I also learned that she had just met Barack Obama as well. Her note was very moving, and I asked if I could share it here with the GOPWTF readers. My friend is currenly working very closely with a really huge name in the entertainment industry. She refers to him as “her boss”, and I have omitted his name, replacing it with [B.]
Turns out, I really do have the best boss ever.
I returned to work this week and what a week it was. Working has been good for me. Bittersweet, since performing seems to be the opposite of everything I’m feeling right now. Hard to do something I normally love, since it requires happiness and enthusiasm. But I digress…
Everyone has been so amazing. On Wednesday, someone mentioned that Barack Obama would be in town on Saturday for a rally at a highschool. All of us in this camp have been very involved in the election process this year. (many differing opinions and fiery personalities make for GREAT conversation)
Anyway… Somehow, it was arranged that our band/crew had 25 VIP tickets to the rally. The day was gorgeous and the turnout was amazing. We all went over in a bus, and the mood was high. The rally didn’t start til 3 but we left at 1.
After we went through all the security, they ushered us to a place on the field where no one else got to go to. We took a couple of photos, and realized how all of us would probably get sunburns since it was about 90 degrees. In late October.
Then, one of the Obama staffers came and said they would take us to the place in the bleachers that had been designated for our group. I turned to follow, and my boss said, “No, Keely. Wait here with us.” As everyone walked away, I was confused. I was like, “What are we doing??” And the answer came… “We’re going to meet Barack Obama.” I swear, I felt faint.
Fast forward to an hour later…a well oiled machine to say the least. Extremely organized operation and lovely people who work for him (apparently, I had to have secret service clearance to meet him…good to know I’m not considered a threat!)So, after a little ado (about 8 people total waited to meet him)… Senator Obama just walked into the tent and was like, “Hey everybody!” The most remarkable thing was how together he seemed. After flying in from what I’m sure was not an easy time with his grandmother in Hawaii, he was composed and kind. Not to mention the election in less than 10 days. He spent time talking with everyone and asking questions and when he got to us, I couldn’t do anything but grin. He’s way taller than you’d think. And thin. And YOUNG! And so, so kind.
He joked with [B.] for about 5 minutes, and then [B.] introduced me. I just grinned and told him I was from Chicago. I’m not sure how it all happened, but [B.] grabbed me by the shoulders and said, “Keely just lost her dear brother Gary in Afghanistan and…” and before I could blink, the Senator just hugged me and said, ”Keely, I am so, so sorry!” He asked about my family and said, “How is your mom? Please send her my condolences” We talked about Gary and who he was and what he did. I expressed how excited I was that he would be the next president. He said, “We’re gonna do it. We’re not gonna let up.”
It was amazing. And to be honest… I’ve met a lot of celebrities working for who I work for. Barack Obama is not a celebrity. He’s a good man. He’s a leader. He’s normal.
So. There you have it. In a crazy month, it was a true bright spot.
I’m so blessed by the people I work with and for.
Filed under: Campaign, Election, Obama | Tagged: Barack Obama, Obama
i’m shallow. i desperately need to know who B. is.
This is such a great story. It is funny how you see people on TV and in a way they are so familiar to you, but really you know so little about them. It is good to hear how someone reacts in a real sense.
I once attended a function with Barack Obama. This was before he was running for President. He seemed to be a man who was comfortable in his skin, was very likable and had a seriousness about him (although not as much as he seems to have on the campaign trail).
Keely thanks for your story, and please accept my condolences for your tragic loss. Hopefully we can work towards building a more peaceful world.
Dear Keely, thank you for sharing your story. This is truly a time to be surrounded by good people.Your brother,Gary was a brave man and we thank him.Please know you and your family are in our hearts and prayers
Keely, thank you for sharing this story with us. I am so saddened to hear about the loss of your brother Gary and my condolences go out to you and your loved ones.
One of the traits I respect most about Obama is his apparent empathy, his willingness to walk in the shoes of others. I think this trait is incredibly important in any person who holds power. I want the person who is on the top of the heap to make it his or her responsibility to know what it feels like to be on the bottom.